Spotlight on Leeds Rhinos powerhouse Konrad Hurrell

Signed from Gold Coast Titans on a marquee deal ahead of the 2019 season, the centre smashed over for 14 tries in 25 appearances last year and has added three more from five games this term.

Here we assess Hurrell’s likely contribution to Leeds’ hopes of success when Rhinos resume their coronavirus-interrupted Betfred Super League campaign against Huddersfield Giants on Sunday.

Attributes:

At 6ft and 17st 3lbs, Hurrell is built like a front-rower, but has a centre’s pace, which makes him a formidable attacking weapon.

He is prepared to go over the top of defenders if he can’t go around them and is difficult to stop from anywhere close to the opposition’s line.

He hits hard in the tackle and can also create chances for teammates, with winger Ash Handley clearly benefiting from his presence in the team.

Defining moment:

Hurrell, who turns 29 next week, showed what he is capable of when he ran in four tries in a Super League defeat at Hull KR last season.

His best performance for Leeds, though, was away to Huddersfield a year ago when he grabbed a couple of touchdowns and proved too strong for the home defence to handle.

Best season:

If he picks up from where he left off, it could well be this one.

Last season was the best of his career in terms of tries and appearances, but he had a big year in 2013 when he crossed 13 times during 20 games for New Zealand Warriors and starred for Tonga in the World Cup.

Concerns:

Hurrell has a tendency to make errors with the ball in hand, sometimes putting his own side under pressure or letting the opposition off the hook.

Value:

Hurrell has been a good signing for Leeds and his left-side partnership with Handley is one of the best in the competition.

He’s also a genuine character, clearly enjoys what he is doing and is the sort of player who - when they are allowed - brings fans in through the turnstiles.

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Thank you

Laura Collins